Below is a interesting glimpse into the Victorian mind with a mention of Colonel Thorn's upcoming ball, and the American's in Paris by Elizabeth J Knox in her letters. They make for such fascinating reading as they reveal the gossip and cultural beliefs of the time. In one letter I read, she spoke of a... Continue Reading →
This Fenimore Cooper book fragment, which was sold at auction, mentions Madame de Varaigne and Col Thorne. It is referring to the fact that Cooper tried to help Thorn when his daughter eloped with Camille de Varaigne. It was a terrible scandal at the time, but in a matter of years seemed forgotten when Camille... Continue Reading →
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to discover much about Ellen Thorn, other than she was a beautiful young woman who married Edward Kirkland. Ellen was born in Paris in 1833 and died in New York in 1891. She lived with her parents and /or siblings until around 1870. Even after her father and mother died,... Continue Reading →
I'm delighted to share with you all these large portrait photos of Jane Mary Thorn de Pierres and Etienne de Pierres. Not sure what year they are taken, but I would think they are in their 30's? It's interesting to see Jane's different hairstyles, and Etienne in full diplomat regalia. Jane Thorn de Pierres Etienne... Continue Reading →
Charles (Bossu) Marville was a French photographer famous for his images of the architecture of Paris in the Haussmann era. I found this image on an auction site, orginally given to Amedee and Alice (Thorn) de Ferussac in 1868. I'd love to know what the sculpture is and where it is kept. Marville's work recorded... Continue Reading →
All recounts of the origin of the American Cathedral in Paris suggest that it grew out of the Episcopalian services that Colonel Thorn hosted at Rue de Varenne. In an earlier post, I mentioned that there was some suggestion that the Colonel employed an English minister to bring some Godliness to his house because of... Continue Reading →
The heiress, Mrs Moulton, was described in the newspapers as the daughter of a rich American piano maker. She moved to Paris the 1840's, where she sought acceptance and notability. She aspired to hold soirees and fetes that all the most important people would attend and asked a Madame Lemercier and Colonel Thorn for assistance... Continue Reading →
It was exciting to discover this image of Napoleon and Eugenie and their attendants taken in 1860. Thanks to Henri de Fraville, I have this information about the photo: Photograph attributed to Adolphe BRAUN (1812-1877) and entitled “La Cour Impériale à Fontainebleau, June 24, 1860” published in the review “Le Point, artistic and literary review”... Continue Reading →
Below is a little insight into the protocol of the Hunt during the reign of Napoleon 111 and Empress Eugenie. Jane Thorn de Pierres is mentioned often for her riding prowess. That means she got to wear the formal hunt gear and buttons. It looks rather tight and restrictive to be riding sidesaddle in. When... Continue Reading →
In 1862, three years after her husband's death, Jane Mary Thorn presented a flag to the 71st Regiment to honour their service. The events of the day are recounted below. I have tried to find a picture of the flag, but no luck yet. The 71st were a regiment of the New York State Militia... Continue Reading →
The Colonel and Mrs Thorn 
I noticed that too..nicknames add even more color to the picture
Oh, yes I found the photo amd put it on the poat about the Thorn granchildren! From Jane's letters it…
I shared her portrait and her father James with you…James is the black framed portrait vs the giant gold framed…
Dear Jacqueline, I feel the same as you. It has brought so much to life. Jane is clearly very fond…
How wonderful to hear the voices of the family..the daily life, the visits the boredom…first hand accounts from woman are…